Highway-crossing signal



Apr. 10, 1923. ms mw E\N.VOGEL HI GHWAY CROS SING S IGNAL Filed Mar. 5, 1920 6 sheets-sheet 1 Il ,4-5,998 I E. w. VOGEL HIGHWAY CROSSING SIGNAL Apr. 1Q, 1923.

6 sheets-sheet 2 I Filed Mar. 5, 1920 E. W. VOGEL HIGHWAY CROSSING SIGNAL Apr. 10, 1923.

Filed Mar.

6 sheets-sheet 5 L454L998 E. W. VOGEL HIGHWAY CROSSING SIGNAL Filed Mar. 5, 1920 6 sheets-sheet 4 Apr. 10, 1923.

E.WLVOGEL -HIGHWAY CROSSING SI NAL 6 sheets-sheet 5 Filed Mar.

Apr. 10, 1923.

E. W. VOG EL HIGHWAY CROSSING SIGNAL 5, 1920 6 sheets-sheet 6 Filed Mar.

Patented Apr. I0, 1923.

IHWTEQ FTATEF PATENT EUGENE'W. VOGE'L, 0F OAK PARK, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOB TO CHICAGO RAILVVA-Y SIGNAL AND SUPPLY COMIPANY, OF CARPENTERSVILLE, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

HIGHWAY-CROSSING SIGN-AL.

Application fiIedMarch 3, 1920. Serial no. 362,974.

T 0 all whom it may concern Be it known that I, EUGENE W. VoonL, a citizen of the United: States, residing at Oak Park, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Highway-Crossing Signals, of which the followin is a specification.

My invention relates to a signal and particularly toa highway crossing signal used by railroadsat highway crossings to indicate the approach of a train. This invention relates to that type of highway crossing signal in which the swinging or moving of a disk or banner bearing an appropriate legend across th highway indicates the approach of atrain. In the early signals of this type, a disk usually having the word Stop and suspended by an arm from'the support was set in swinging motion by. suitable mechanism actuated electrically when the train enters a certain block. When the train passed t'rom the block, the signal was caused torome to rest, usually in a position above the highway. This frequentlycaused confusion'because the legend Stop on the disk was always in view and there was no definite and positive indication'that the way was clear and that the right of way might be safely crossed. In order to avoid possible confusion resulting from the use of a signal of this type the Interstate Commerce Commission has prescribed that in such signals the disk or banner must be concealed when the way is clear. It then became the practice to provide a cover or blind behind which the swinging disk could be brought to rest, so as to be concealed from view when the way was clear. While this complies with the regulations, nevertheless. the construction is confusing in other respects. The disk swings periodically behind the blind so that during its entire period of motion and while a train is on the block, it indicates alternately stop, clear, with each oscillation.

The object of my invention is to overcome this objection and to provide a signal of this type in which the disk isnever momentarily concealed but is always in view while a train is in the block; and which will unmistakably indicat danger or stop, but in which the disk will be concealed when the way is clear.

An incidental object is the provision of means for accomplishing the above stated purpose by giving tothe disk an additional movement beyond its usual swingingamplitude, when the way is clear, so as to bring it behind the blind or cover.

The invention consists of the novel arrangements, constructions and devices for carrying out the above stated objects, and such other objects as will appear from the following description-of my invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is an elevation of a typical form of highway crossing signal of the type de- I scribed herein.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary elevation of a similar crossing signal slightly modified.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view, partly diagrammatic, of my invention;

Figs. 4L, 5, 6 and 7 are views similar to Fig; 3, showing modified forms; and

Fig. 8 is a detail of the construction shown in Fig. 7.

Like characters of reference represent like parts in tlie'several figures of the drawings.

I have shown in Figs. 1 and 2, typical forms of highway crossing signal towers to which my invention is adapted to be applied. These figures represent the aspect which the signal as awhole presents to the eye. Although my invention may be applied to any form ot supporting structure as will be apparent from the following description thereof, I will describeit only in connection with the forms of supporting structures shown in Figs. 1 and 2. These structures are well known in the art and a brief description thereof will be sufficient. They comprise a support 10 having the usual box 11 with a door 12 therein and at the top a crossing bell 13, below which is a small housing 14. to contain the ringing mechanism. Near the top is a larger housing 15 having a door 16 adapted to contain the mechanismfor swinging the signal or hanner. From the housing extends the hollow arm 17 adapted to support the signal or banner over the highway and so that its movements will not be interfered with by the supporting column 10. At the end of the arm 17 is a small housing 18 within which is pivoted the arm 19 which is usually composed of a hollow'one inch pipe. At the end of the arm 19 is the signal 20. This is secured to the arm 19 in any suitable manner and may comprise any suitable form of signal or warning. Usually the signal coinprises a circular disk about two feet in diameter bearing an appropriate legend such as th word Stop and also usually carrying a red light which may be illuminated at night.

The swinging portions of the signal-that is the arm 19 and the disk 20, weigh about 50 pounds. This necessitates a special mecha nism for swinging the same and also makes it advisable to use a brace 21 for supporting the end of the arm 17. i

The mechanism contained in the housing 16 is adapted to swing the signal normally between the positions A and B whenever a train is approaching. The mechanism also adapted to swing the disk higher to the position C behind the cover or blind 22 secured in any suitable manner to the brace 21 whenever the train has left the block and the way is clear. That is to say, the mechanism is adapted during the period which is usually termed normal danger to swing the disk between the positions A and B, so that the signal or banner is always exposed to view and unmistakably indicates danger. lVhen the way is clear the mechanism hereinafter described is adapted to give the disk an additional swing or impulse beyond its normal path of movement and cause it to pass behind and be concealed by the cover 22. The mechanism hereinafter" described is also adapted to permit the disk to fall down to the position D and remain at rest whenever the system becomes inoperative by reason of the breaking of any oi? the wires of the electrical circuits or by reason of the breaking of any of the apparatus. hen the signal is observed to hang at rest in the position D, it indicates that the mechanism is out of working order.

In Fig. 2 I have shown a slightly modified form of supporting structure in which the cover or. blind 23 is supported beyond the housing 24 on the arm lVith slight changes the mechanism adapted to swing the signal applied to the support shown in Fig. 1 is adapted to swing the signal in the support shown in Fig. 2 and to bring it to its clear position at the point C behind the cover 23. The covers and ..3 usually hear an appropriate legend to indicate a railroad crossing.

As stated above,'the housing 15 is adapted to contain all of the mechanism for swinging the signal 20. The arm 19 hearing the signal 20 is usually pivoted in its intermediate portions at the point 26. The swinging of the signal is accomplished by suitable connecting rods 27 and 28 to be hereinafter described, which extend from the mechanism in the housing 15 through the hollow arm 1b and are pivoted at or near the end of the arm 19 within the housing 18. This is more clearly .illustrated in Figs. 3 to 6 inclusive.

In order to clearly illustrate my invention l have shown the mechanism adapted to be contained in the housing 15 considerably enlarged and have shown the electric circuit for operating the same in diagrammatic form. It is of course understood that in practice the electric wires are usually enclosed in waterproof cable and are not arranged in the. diagrammatic form shown in the figures of the drawing. This is a matter which, however, is well known in the railway signal art and need not be further described here.

Considering now the embodiment oi my invention shown in Fig. 3, I have shown at E a diagramn'iatic representation of a railroad track. The track is insulated in any well-known manner at the points F and (:r to form a block. The electrical circuits are so arranged that when a train enters the block E the mechanism is actuated to swing the signal 20 over the highway to indicate the approach of a train. When the train leaves the block E the mechanism is actuated to move the signal 20 behind the blind or cover 22 and indicates a clear way. Across the block E a suitable low voltage battery H is connected by wires-29 and 30. This battery normally that is when the block E is clean excites the magnet or relay 31 through wires 32 and Accordingly this relay actuates the two-bladed switch shown conventionally at 34 and 35. i Vhen the relay is excited it closes the circuit at the point 36 and opens that at the point 37.

When a train approaches the crossing K, soon as it enters the block E the track circuit maintained by the battery H is shortcircuited. This deenergizes the relay 31 causirs); the switch 34 to open the circuit at 36 and the switch 35 to. close that at the point 37. The closing of the switch 35 causes the establishment oi several circuits. The first circuit is that which, rings the crossing bell shown conventionally at 40. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 this crossing bell is usually located at the top of the support 10. This circuit is traced as follows: from the point 37 through the wires 38 and 39 the bell 40. wire 11, the battery L, the wires 4-2, 43. and 44, and the switch 35, and back to the point The second circuit is that which actuates the motor M to swin the signal 20. a

Before tracing the second or motor cirwit the swinging mechanism will be described. As previously stated the signal is oscillated by means of the two connecting rods 27 and 28 passing through the hollow arm 17 and shown broken in Fig. 3 for convenience in illustration. The connecting rod 28 connected at the opposite end of the arm 19 gives to the signal 20 its normal oscillation, that is from the position A to the position B. The connecting rod 27 connected at a point closer to the pivot 26 gives the signal 20 its extreme motion or oscillation capable of bringing it to the position C behind the cover 22. I have shown electr cally controlled mechanism and 46 which I will describe later for rendering one connecting rod inoperative to oscillate the signal 20 while the other connecting rod is operative for swinging the signal 20. That is to say, when the connecting rod 28 is operative to oscillate the signal through its normal path of movement, the connecting rod 27 is inoperative and vice versa.

To one end of the shaft of the motor is secured a small spur gear 47 meshing with a larger gear 48 which carries a smaller gear 49, the latter meshing with a large gear 50. A connecting rod 51 is pivoted eccentrically at 52 to the gear 48 and serves through the rod 53 and mechanism 45 tooscillate the connecting rod 28. The connecting rod 54 pivoted to the large gear eccentrically at a point 55 serves to oscillate the arm 27 through the rod 56 and the mechanism 46. The rod 53 reciprocates in suitable guides or between rollers 57. It is provided near the end with a V-shaped notch 58 into which the V-shaped projection 59 on the connecting rod 28 is adapted to lit. The notch 58 and the projection 59 are so shaped that the projection 59 will slide out of engagement with the notch 58 unless retained there by suitable mechanism shown at 45. The mechanism 45 comprises a magnet 60 which actuates an armature 61 pivoted at 62' and having a roller 63 thereon which is capable of pressing on the upper side of the rod 28 and exerting downward pressure thereon to cause the projection 59 to enter and remain in the notch 58 when they registerwith each other.

The mechanism 46 corresponds exactly with the mechanism 45 and need not be described. The electrical circuits are 'so arranged that when the magnet 60 is energized, the magnet 64 is de-energized so as'to permit the projection 65 to pass out. of the recess 66 and thus sever the mechanical connection of the connecting rod 27 with the circuit traced as follows: from the magnet 64 through the wire 67 the point 36, switch 34, wires 68 43 and 42, the battery L, wires 69, 7 O and 71 back to the magnet 64. The magnet attracts its armature 72 and causes the roller 73 to press on the connecting rod 27 and keep the projection 65 in the recess 66.

The signal 20 is maintained in its extreme position behind the cover 22 when the crossing is clear by the engagement of the spring member 74 with the stop 75 which is at tached to and forms a part of the housing 15.

When the circuit through the magnet 64 is broken by the entry of a train upon the block, the armature 72 falls of its own weight and releases the projection 65 from forcible engagement with the recess 66. The weight of the si nal 20 which. as previously stated, is about 50 pounds, aids to force the projection 65 out of the notch 66. This raises the connecting rod 27 a short distance above the rod 56 and causes the spring member 74 to clear the stop 75. The signal 20 is then tree to swing downwardly of its own weight. When it has moved a very short distance the insulated stop 76 permits the switch 77, which is held open as long as the signal is held in its position C. to close on the point or contact 78. The electrical circuit through the motor is now complete and the motor is caused to revolve and reciprocae the connecting rods 51 and 54. The motor circuit may be traced as follows: from the battery L through the wires 69 d 79.. the point 7 8 the switch 77 and the wire 89 to the motor M, through the motor and the wires-81 and 42 back to the battery L.

V] hen the relay 31 is {ls-energized by the approach of a train a third circuit through the magnet 60 is established. This is traced as follows: from the point 37 through the wires and 82, through the magnet 60, the wires 83. 70. 69, the battery T1. the wires 42, 4 3, and 44, and the switch 85 back to the point 37. The excitation of the magnet 60 causes it to attract its armature 61 and the roller 63 to -a crank arm capable ot oscillating or swinging the 112.1 20 between the positions A. and B. During the reciprocation of the connecting; rod 51. the connecting rod 54 also reciprocates though much more slow y due to the extreme gear reduction from the motor to the gear but owing to the fact that the magnet 64- is deenergized the mechanical connection between the connecting rod 54 and the connecting rod 27 is broken. Accordingly, though both the connecting rods 27 and 5a reciprocate they are not mechanically connected to each other.

\Vhen the train leaves the block E the relay 31 is again energized by the battery H and picks up the armature controlling the switches 34 and 35. This breaks the circuit at the point 37 and closes that at the point The breaking of the circuit at the point 37 also deenergizes the magnet and severs the mechanical connection between the connecting rod 28 and the connecting rod .51. Simultaneously, however, with the cleenergization of the magnet 60, the magnet 64- is energized so that when the recess 66 passes beneath the projection the same is forced therein by the pressure of the roller 73 on the connecting rod 27. The signal 20 accordingly continues to swing but with a swin of greater amplitude. The increase in swing of the signal 20 is accomplished by connecting the connecting rod 27 closer to the pivot 26 and also by pivoting the connecting rod 54 at a point farther removed from the center of the gear 50. V hen the connecting rod 54 approaches its far dead center the insulated stop 76 breaks the circuit through the switch 77 and the point78. At the same time the spring member 74 snaps over the stop 75 and holds the signal 20 in position C behind the cover 22. The opening at the switch 7 7 breaks the motor circuit and the motor promptly stops. The motors used in signals of this character are usually provided with a wellknown type of magnetic brake so that the brake is applied as soon as the circuit through the motor is open. This is for the purpose of suddenly stopping the revolution 01 the motor.

Considerably greater power is required to raise the signal 20 to the position 0 than that required to oscillate it from the position A to the position 13, this being largely because of the relatively great weight of the signal itself. The increase in power is accomplished by the gear reduction through the gears 41:9 and 50. It will. be evident that though the connecting rod 54 reciproeates u'iuch more slowly, it possesses considerably greater power and accordingly is capable of raising the signal 20 to the position (1 behind the cover 22.

onsidering now the modifications shown in Fig. Eh, the mechanical features of this modification are so similar to those of Fig. 3 that they need be only briefly described. The chief point ct difference is the use of a separate magnet for actuating the latch which maintains the signal in its extreme position.

As in the previous modification, the entry of a train on the block E de-energizes the magnets 31 and 64 and energizes the magnet 60. .When the train leaves the block the relay '31 and the magnet 64 are energized and the magnet 60 de-energized. The additional magnetreferred to is the magnet 84. This magnet remains energized while the block is clear and'is de-energized by the approach of a train when it enters the block E. The circuit through the magnet 84 is traced follows: from the point 36 through the wires 85, 86 and 87, the battery L, the wires 88, 89 and 90, through the magnet 84, the wire 91, the switch 34, back to the point 36., The magnet 84 attracts the armature 92 to which the switch 93 is attached and closes a circuit at the point 94 through the magnet 64' which is traced as follows: from the point 941 through the wire 95, the magnet es, the wires 96, 87, the battery L, the wires 88, 89 and 97, the switch 93, back to the point 94:.

lVhen a train enters the block, the circuit through the switch 34 is broken at the point 36 and the switch is caused to contact with the point 37. The breaking of the switch at the point 36 de-energizes the magnet 84 and causes the armature 92 to fall and closes the switch 93 with the point- 98. The closing of the latter switch completes the circuit through the magnet 60 which is traced as follows: fromthe point 98 through the wire 99, the magnet 60, the wires 96 and 87 the battery L, the wires 88. 89, 97, the switch 93 back to the point 98.

The falling of the armature 92 by its own weight disengages the opposite end 100 thereof from the step 101 on the connecting rod 28. This causes the signal 20 to move downwardly and moves the stop 101 away from the switch 102, thus closing the motor circuit at the point 103. The motor circuit is traced as follows: from the point 103 through thewires 89 and 88, the battery L, the motor M, the wire 104:, the switch 102 back to the point 103. y

The excitation of the magnet 60 completes'the mechanical connection between the connecting rod 28 and the connecting rod 51 and causes the motor to swing the signal 20 between the positions A and B. This swinging is continued until the train leaves the block, whereupon the relay 31 is energized closing the circuit at the point 36 and energizing the magnet 84. This in turn closes the switch 93 at the point 9a and energizes the magnet 64 and tie-energizes the magnet 60. This severs the mechanical connection between the connecting rods 28 and 51 and completes the mechanical connection between the connecting rod 54 and the connecting rod 27. As in the construction shown in Fig. 3 the signal is now given an increased swing which eventually brings it to the position G behind the cover 22, at which time the motor circuit is broken by the opening of the switch 102 by the stop 101. The signal is held in positioni) by the engagement of the stop 101 with the mem her 100 of the armature.

In other respects the operation oi? the modification shown in Fig. 41 is the same as that in Fig. 3. v

In Fig. 5 I show a construction somewhat similar to that shown in Fig. a ditfering mainly in the use of a. different form of n'lagnetic clutch. The electrical circuits are the same as those shown in Fig. 41. In place of the clutch mechanisms l5 and $6 of Figs. 3 and 1, I make use of a diiterent form of clutch mechanism shown at 105 and 106. These clutch mechanisms which are duplicate serve to establish a mechanical connection in one case between the connecting rod 51 and the main connecting rod 107 which. operates through the hollow arm 17 to swing the signal through its normal path between positions A and B and in the other case between the connectingrod 54c and the main connecting rod 107 for giving to the signal the additional swing to bring it behind the cover 22. 106 consists of two links 108 and 109, the former being pivoted to the connecting rod 51 and the latter to the connecting rod 111. They are pivoted to each other at the point- 110. To one oi the links, in this case link 109, is secured a magnet 112. An armature 113 is secured to the link 108 at a point which passes beneath the magnet 112. The construction is such that when the magnet 112 is excited it attracts the armature 113 and prevents it trom swinging past the face of the magnet, the contacting surfaces being roughened or notched, as illustrated, to prevent slipping. This, in effect, makes the links 108 and 109 a solid member and serves to mechanically connect the connecting rod 51 with the connecting rod 111 which in turn is pivoten at the point 11% to the main connecting rod 107. 'When the magnet 112 is not'ene'rgized the armature 113 on the link 108 is free to swing past the face of the magnet I and thus the connecting rod 51 transmits no motion to the connecting rod 111. I y

The construction of the clutch mechanism 105 is exactly similar to that of 106 and need not be described. The electrical connections are arranged so that when the mag-- net 115 is energized the magnet 11.2 is do energized. Accordingly it will be seen that the same act-ion as with the clutch mechanisms .1-5 and 460i Fig. 3 is secured.

The connecting rod 107 is hinged at the point 116. The extreme end thereof runs betweensiiitable guides or rollers 117.

11s is the case with the construction shown in Fig. 1. when the block is clear the relay magnets 115 and 1.18 ener- The clutch mechanism magnets are tie-energized and the magnet 112 is energized and the circuit through the motor is closed by the switch 119. The circuit through the magnet 112 is completed when the armature 22 falls on thede-energization of the magnet 118 permitting the switch 121 to close the circuit through the magnet 112 at the point 120. The falling of the armature 122 also disengages the latch 123 from the rear of the stop 12% and permits the signal to swing downwardly, thus, as previously stated, permitting the switch 119 to close and complete the circuit through the motor.

' Tn order that the gear 50 may be capable of giving to the signal 20 a swing greater than that given to it the gear 418 the pin 55 is set sutticiently far from the center of the gear so as to bring the signal 20 to position C when the gear approaches its dead center.

it is believed that the operation of the modification shown in Fig. 5 will be sulficiently clear in view of the description of the modification shown in Fig. 3, and accordingly no further description is necessary.

ioming now to a description of the modification shown in Fig. 6. The mechanism in ifs modification is arranged to hold the nal 20 in the position C so as to adapt it for use in connection with the signal shown in Fig. 2. It is apparent, however, that with very slight alteration the mechanism could be changed to hold the signal in the position C as in the other modifications. And in like manner the other modifications could be changed with slight alteration to hold the s nal in the position 0',

The modification shown in Fig. 6 differs chiefly from the other modifications inthe type of clutch mechanism used. The signal is oscillated both for a normal and extreme oscillation by two beveled gears, 125 and 126, which reciprocate connecting rods 127 and 126 respectively. The rod 127 is connected to the arm 15 at the point 129 by means of a loose connection hereinafter described. This rod gives the signal 20 its normal swing between the positions A and B. The eX- treme oscillation is given to the signal by o1 the rod 128 connected at the point 2 i to the arm 19. The gear 126 is preferably m larger than the gear 125 so as to possess eater powerin raising the signal to the position C. The gears 125 and 126 are driven by the double-beveled gear 131 splined to the shaft 132- of the motor. The gears are so disposed that by shifting gear along the shaft it is capable ot meshing h the gear 125 or the gear 126. I i ve shown a nr netic shift which con- :1 oi the sh i'fting arm 1.33 haying a forked end 13-1 which site-ads around the gear131 and is capable of shifting it and pivoted at sion 144' I ergizes the magnet 139 and causes the gear 131 to mesh with the driven gear 125, caus ing the signal to oscillate between the positions A and B. The opening of the switch '34 tie-energizes the magnet 140 permitting the armature 141 pivoted at 142 to fall and release the latch 148 from engagement with the extension 144 of the arm 19. This permits the signal to fall and closes the switch 145 on points 146. This closes the motor circuit and causes the motor to revolve.

When the train leaves the block the mag net 31' is again energized closing the switch 34 and energizing the magnet 138. This causes the gear to be shifted to mesh with the larger driven gear 126 and the signal is caused to oscillate with a greater swing. When the signal reaches the position C the insulated end of the projection or extension 144 opens the switch 145 and the motor circuit causing the motor to stop. At the same time the latch 148 engages with the extenand holds the signal in the posi tion C. i By reason of the fact that the gears 125 and 126 and the faces of the gear 131 are beveled, they will be thrown out of mesh by the weight of the signal 20 in case, for any reason, the electrical circuits are broken. This will permit the signal to hang vertically and indicate that the circuit is inoperative.

In view of the fact that the connecting rods 127 and 128 have strokes of different lengths in order to oscillate the signal through paths of different amplitude, it is necessary to provide a loose connection between the connecting rod havingthe shorter stroke and the arm 19. This may be accomplishedas shown by providing a fork at the end of the rod 127 within which is arranged a small cross head 147 pivoted to the arm 19 at the point 129. Between the cross head 147 and the bottom of the fork a small con'ipression spring 148 isinterposed. This spring normally holds the cross head 147 at the extreme end .149 of the fork. When, however, the connecting rod 128 oscillates the signal 20 the spring 148 is capable of be ing compressed to compensate for the ilifference in length of the respective strokes of the rods 127 and 128. This form of connection is. illustrative only and it is evident that any form of loose connection may be satisfactorily nsedl The spring 148 servesthe additional tunctionof giving to the arm 19 a small impulse when the latch 143 is lifted.

Ordinarily this is sufficient to close the In Figs. 7 and 8 I have illustrated an embodiment of my invention in which the blind or cover for concealing the moving banner or disk is moved out of'the path of motion of the dish when a train enters the block, and is thereafter returned to its normal position concealing the disk when the train leaves the block.

The motor M when set in motion is adapted to drive the gear 150 through the pinion 151 on the shaft of the motor. The arm 152 connected to the gear 150 at (Fig. 8) and the banner arm 154 at the point 155. is adapted to swing the banner or disk 156. The banner 156 is swun from the pivot 157, and is normally concealed when no train is on the block, behind the blind or cover 158. The banner cars a suitable legend. as for instance the word Stop, and the blind some like legend indicating a railroad crossmg. r

The blind 158 is supported by the mom able arm 159 pivoted at 160 and having a curved rack 161 thereon having as its center of curvature the pivot 160. The rack 161 meshes with the pinion 162, which is connected with the larger gear 163, which in turn meshes with the gear 166. An electromagnetic clutch shown somewhat diagrammatically in Fig. 8, comprising the solenoid 165, the sliding gear 166, and toggle arms 167 is adapted to establish a mechanical connection between the pinion 166 and the gears 150 by means of the beveled dogs 168 on the pinion and the corresponding dogs 169 on the gear 150. Upon the excitation of the solenoid 165 the toggle arms 167 are drawn down by means of the rod 170 and the gear 166 is moved by means of the sliding shaft 171 into engagement with the gear 150. The function of this construction will be later described.

A magnetically controlled latch .172 having a projection 173 with a beveled face adapted to engage the projection 174 with a corresponding beveled. face on the rack 161 normally holds the cover 158 over the disk or banner 156. hen the magnet 175 is de-energized, the weight of the cover 158 adapted to force the latch 172 out of engagement with the projection 174 and to permit the cover to swing down to the position shown in dotted lines at 176, and to expose the disk 156.

The rack 161 carries a projection 177 which is adaptedto engage the arm 178 when the cover 158 is in its highest position. The

arm 178 is connected to the electric switch net 31 is de-energized, thus permitting the switch arm 182 to close with its contact 183, and the switch 184 to break contract with the point 185/ The opening of the switch 18 1 de-energizes the magnet 175 and the solenoid 165, thus releasingthe latch 172 and disconnecting the gears 166 and 150. The cover 158 then moves down to its position 176 through its own weight, a suitable stop preventing further downward movement, thus causing the gears 163 and 166 to revolve. The movement of the projection 17 7 away from the arm .17 8 permits the closing of the switch 179 and the establishment of a circuit through the motor. This circuit is traced as follows: from the contact 180 through wire 186, motor M, wires 187, 188, battery L, wire 189 and the switch arm 179 to which the wire 189 is connected. The establishment of this circuit causes the banner 156 to swing back and forth. The closing of the switch arm 182 on the contact 183 closes the circuit to the bell 4:0 by means of the wires 190, 191 and 192. When the train leaves the block, the magnet 31 is again energized, thus opening the switch 182 and closing the switch 184 on the contact 185. This establishes a circuit through the magnet 175 and the solenoid 165 as follows: from the contact 185 through the wire 193, magnet 175, wire 194, solenoid 165. wires 195. 188, the battery L, the wires 192, 196, and the switch arm 18s. This causes the closing of the clutch shown in Fig. 8. and mechanically connects the gear 166 with the gear 150 and causes the gear 162 to rotate in a clockwise direction, thus raising the cover 158 to its normal position over the banner 176. lVhen the cover 158 is in its highest posit-ion. the latch 173 snaps over the projection 1741 and the projection 177 opens the switch 179 and breaks the circuitthrough the motor M.

In the event that the signal should become inoperative by reason of the breaking of any of the electric wires. or because of the weakening of the batteries L or H, the magnet- 175 and the solenoid 165 wouldbecome deenergized and permit the banner 156 to be exposed, thus indicating that the signal was out of order.

While I have shown the arm 159 as being weighted by the cover plate 158 so as to move downwardly when released by the latch '173 as above described, it will be understood that I do not wish to be restricted to this particular form, except as hereinafter speciiically claimed. If the arm were arranged to have someother suitable movement for clearing the plate 156, the operating mechanism would of course be modified accordingly.

The operating mechanism, as shown at the left hand of Figure 7, is adapted to be contained within the box 15 (Fig. 1). The arm 152 is adapted to pass through the supporting arm 17 (Fig. 1).

It is evident that my invention may be practiced with many other forms of mechanism than here described. Moreover. the invention is not limited to the particular form of mechanism used for actuating the signal or other moving parts.

I claim:

1. A highway crossing signal comprising a tower, a swinging arm having a disk pivo ted to said tower and adapted to be positioned over a highway,a concealing over behind which said disk is held concealed, electrically controlled. means for holoing said disk in concealed position and tor releasing said disk to permit it to swing, an electric motor operating a connecting rod attached to said arm to swing said arm and disk in a path clear of said cover, and a second connecting rod attached to said arm and operated by said motor for giving to said disk a greater swing to cause it to pass behind said cover and be held there by said holding means.

2. A highway crossing signal comprising a tower, a swinging arm having a disk pivoted to said tower and adapted to be posi tioned over a highway, a concealing cover behind which said disk is held concealed, electrically controlled means for holding said disk in concealed position and for releasing said disk to permit it to swing.v an electric motor operating a connecting rod attached to said arm to swing said arm and disk in a path clear of said cover, a second connecting rod attached to said arm and operated by said motor for givingto S9dl illl a greater swing to cause it to pass behind. said cover and be held there by said holding means. and means for rendering one connecting rod inoperative while the other is swinging the disk.

3. In a device of the type described. a swinging signal, a motor. a rod reciprocated by said motor and connected to said signal for normally swinging it through a certain arc, reduction gearing on said motor. and another rod reciprocated by said reduction gearing and connected to said signal For swinging said signal through an are larger than said first-mentioned arc.

4C. In a device of the type described. a swinging signal. a motor, a rod reciprocated by said motor and connected to said signal for normally swinging it through a certain arc, reduction gearing on said motor. and. another rod reciprocated by said reduct on gearing and connected to said signal for applying greater power to said signal to raise it to a position higher than it reaches during its normal swing.

5. In a device of the type described, a swinging signal, a motor, a rod reoiprocated by said motor tor normally swinging said signal through a certain arc, a magnetic clutch for connecting said rod-to said signal,

a second rod reciprocatcd by said motor for swinging said signal tbrougha are greater than said normal arc, a-magnetic clutch for connecting said rod to said signal, an electrical circuit for energizing said first 1nagnetic clutch for mechanically connecting said rod to said signal, a second electrical circuit for actuating said second magnetic clutch to mechanically connect said second rod to said signal, and electrically controlled means for controlling said circuits so as to cause said first clutch to engage when the second named clutch is disengaged and vice versa.

6. ll. railway crossing signal comprising a movably mounted signal, a concealing cover, means tor moving d signal positively back and forth in the clear with respect to the cover, other means for movinr; said signal positively beyond the limit of its movement by said first named moving means and into position behind said cover. and electrically operated means tor controlling the operation of said several signal moving means for ansing them to act alternatively. I

7. A railway crossing signal comprising a movably mounted signal. a concealin cover, motor, means actuated. by said motor for n'ioving said signal positively back and forth in the clear with respect to said cover, other means actuated by said motor alternatively for moving said signal positively beyond the limit of its movement by said first named moving means and into position behind said cover, means actuated by the movement of said signal into concealed position for stopping the operation of said motor and actuated by the movement of the signal out of concealed position for starting the motor into operation, and electrically operated means for controlling the o 'ierativc connections between said motor and said several signal moving means.

8. A railway crossing signal comprising a pivotally mounted arm, a signal carried by said arm, a connecting rod pivotally connected with said arm, a second connecting rod pivotally connected with said arm at a shorter distance from thoax'is oi said arm than said first named arm, power means alternatively connected with said rods for reciprocating them. means cont-rolled by the movement of the second connecting rod to and from the limit oi" its motion or stopping and. starting the operation. ot said power means, and controlling means for regulatingthe alternative operation of said connecting means.

A signal of theclass described, comprising a tower having a supporting arm extending theretrom, an oscillating banner supported from the extremity of said supporting arm, operating means located with-- in said tower for normally positively oscillating said banner within a certain path, means for concealing said banner located beyond normal path, and other means located. in said tower and connected with cealing said banner located beyond the normal amplitude of oscillatioinand means operated by theoperating means in said tower for giving to said banner an impulse of greater amplitude than its normal amplitude to cause it to pass behind and be concealed by said cover.

11. A highway crossing signal comprising a tower, an armextending from said tower, a swinging signal disk supported from the extremity of said arm, a concealing cover behind which said disk is held concealed, means for holding said disk in concealed position and for releasing the same to permit it to swing, and mechanism supported by said tower and remote from said swinging disk and being adapted to positively swing said'disk in a path clear of said cover, said operating mechanism adapted to give said disk a greater swingto cause it to pass behind said cover and engage the holding means. 7

12. A highway crossing signal comprising an oscillating banner, means for positively swinging said banner through a definite are during danger periods, a cover for concealing said banner located beyond said are of oscillation, and means for positively swinging said banner behind said cover at the end of a danger period.

A highway crossing signal comprising a tower, a banner arranged to swing from said tower, a connecting rod adaptcdto be coi'inected with said banner, an electric motor for reciprocating. said connecting rod for normally swinging. said banner, a second connecting rod for swinging said banner bination of a tower a banner supported to swing from said tower, a rod connected with said banner and adapted to reciprocate to swing said banner, electrically controlled mechanism for reciprocating said rod to swing sald banner through a glven path.

concealing means located beyond said path;

electrically controlled means adapted to be actuated to increase the swing of said banner so as to move it into position Where it is concealed by said concealing means, and electrically controlled holding means for holding said banner in concealed position.

EUGENE W. VOGEL. 

